The learning experiences of senior student nurses who take on the role of standardised patient: a focus group study

The use of clinical simulation involving standardised patients is increasing in nursing education programmes. In this study, we sought to identify whether participation in simulation through taking on the role of standardised patients benefited student nurses in terms of knowledge and skill development, and if so, how. Data was collected in two focus group interviews with fifteen senior undergraduate nursing students in 2011 and subjected to processes of thematic analysis. Four main themes were identified--seeing the nurse through the eyes of the patient, using observation skills, using reflection and evaluation. Being in the standardised patients role provided students with the opportunity to apply the clinical skills of observation, reflection and evaluation to gain new insights into their own practice, particularly their communication skills. Although there were unique learning opportunities for senior student nurses offered by their experience as standardised patient, more research is need to determine how well this knowledge is translated into practice as they take on the role of registered nurses in the future.